Special Status: Naidu Cautions Against Extreme Steps

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu today appealed to the people of the state not to resort to any extreme steps in their fight for special status for the state.

Speaking to media persons at Vijayawada after returning from the national capital on Thursday, Naidu said that the Centre had promised to give all the monetary assistance needed for the capital city construction and other projects that will help develop the state.

"I have sought special status tag, and though it has been declined, the Centre is ready to offer more financial support to the state for the capital city construction, and all the facilities, infrastructure and projects we need to rise quickly," he maintained.

"There is no need for panic as Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself promised complete help and succour to Andhra Pradesh to help it overcome all problems, during my one and half hour meeting with him," Naidu stated.

"I apprised Modi, union Ministers and the NITI Aayog deputy chief of all issues such as the loss that would be incurred if the special status tag is denied, the promises in the bifurcation act, the people's concerns and the need for financial assistance. Modi and other union ministers offered to provide all necessary support to the state, and we will now focus on the capital city construction," Naidu informed.

The Chief Minister exuded confidence that the Centre would go out of its way to help the residuary state.